2020 Dodge Journey
2020 Dodge Journey Review
- Extra versatility provided by a standard three-row seat
- Low price for the segment
- Lacks many modern safety and convenience features even in top trims
- Below-average fuel economy
- Disappointing and outdated base engine and transmission
- Lags competitors in handling and drivability
- Base trim renamed to SE Value
- GT trim and V6 engine dropped
- Part of the first Journey generation introduced in 2009
Our verdict | |
The Dodge Journey is an aging vehicle that's been left behind by competitors in terms of technology, performance, dynamics, cargo space, passenger space, fuel economy, comfort and quality. By almost every metric, it's a backmarker in the small three-row SUV class. | |
How does the Journey drive? | |
With its four-cylinder engine and ancient four-speed automatic transmission (rivals offer more sophisticated six-or eight-speed automatics), the Dodge Journey accelerates more slowly than many competitors. The steering remains appropriately light, but it also lacks any feeling. A dim bright spot for the Journey are its brakes, which are light and easy to control around town with sufficient stopping power for this heavy SUV. But during panic stops, the pedal is a bit squishy, and the vehicle doesn't always track straight. The Journey feels downright sloppy, wobbling and bouncing through curves. It never really feels in control of itself the way a modern vehicle should. Overall, the Journey has been left behind in terms of driving dynamics and handling by the new generation of three-row SUVs. | |
How comfortable is the Journey? | |
The Journey is well insulated from road and tire noise, but traffic and wind noise fills the cabin. The soft suspension cushions large bumps well but tends toward exaggerated bounciness especially at higher speeds. The driver's seat is soft and not very supportive except for the firm lumbar support. The passenger and second-row seats have firmer cushions because of their hidden storage compartments. The third-row seat is stiff and flat. | |
How’s the interior? | |
The front is roomy, and the second row has good head- and legroom. But Dodge routed the rear air vents through the roof, which makes the interior feel smaller. Third row space is inadequate for adults. You can slide the second row forward to provide more legroom, but that makes the second row less usable. The seats fold aside cleverly for third-row access, but resetting the second row is a multi-step process that can't be accomplished from the third row. Most controls are straightforward, as is the simple touchscreen interface. We found the single, combined wiper and turn-signal stalk frustrating to adapt to, and particularly difficult at night. Navigating the trip computer takes more steps than it should because of a poorly thought-out interface. | |
How’s the tech? | |
Thankfully, Dodge's 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system is available, and it's the lone bright spot inside a fairly grim interior. It's available with navigation and an upgraded audio system. We think it's worth the extra coin for the improved experience these provide. There are plenty of 12-volt power ports in the Journey but there's only one USB port. Like the rest of the Journey, the driver aids are fairly basic. The rear parking sensors are useful, but the rearview camera has a disappointingly low-resolution display. | |
How’s the storage? | |
With a maximum capacity of 67.6 cubic feet, the Dodge Journey offers less cargo space than competitors. And with the third row in place, there's barely even room for groceries in the trunk. But the Journey makes up for this a bit by hiding quite a few cubbies and compartments around the cabin. With a towing capacity of only 1,000 pounds, the Journey is put to shame by some three-row competitors. Most can handle between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. | |
How economical is the Journey? | |
It will take a light foot to match the Journey's EPA-estimated 21 mpg (19 city/25 highway). That's not an impressive estimate to begin with, falling 3-4 mpg short of many competitors. Part of the blame lies with the Journey's 2.4-liter engine, which needs to work hard to get the Journey up to speed. The rest of the blame falls squarely on the well out-of-date four-speed automatic transmission. Most competitors use six- and eight-speed transmissions. | |
Is the Journey a good value? | |
Even considering its low starting price, everything about the Journey feels cheap, plasticky and dated. The leather or faux leather trim on the seats and touch points is stiff and plasticky, and the cloth seat inserts feel unpleasantly synthetic. Because of that there's simply not enough value or equipment in the Journey to make it that appealing considering its competition. The Journey's three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties are common in the class, though a few competitors offer significantly better coverage. | |
Wildcard | |
It's difficult to understand the appeal of the Dodge Journey beyond the need for a new vehicle with a full warranty. Driving the Journey, even on short trips, feels tedious. And because of the numb steering and unsorted suspension settings, after a few hundred miles, it proves to be an emotionally draining experience. There are very few new cars left that make a case for buying a used car instead. The Journey is one of them. | |
For 2020, the Dodge Journey is sent once more unto the breach in an attempt to woo you over with its low price and ... well, not much else. This small seven-seat SUV was once available in a multitude of trim levels and offered a strong optional V6 engine and available all-wheel drive. Now Dodge has stripped the Journey down and simplified it to only two trim levels and one available engine and transmission. It also can only be had in front-wheel drive.
2020 Dodge Journey pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Features & Specs
| SE Value 4dr SUV 2.4L 4cyl 4A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,675 |
| MPG | 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 172 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Crossroad 4dr SUV 2.4L 4cyl 4A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,595 |
| MPG | 19 city / 25 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 7 |
| Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 172 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Journey safety features:
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist
- Alerts the driver to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when reversing.
- ParkView Backup Camera
- Displays a live video feed from the rear of the car on the infotainment screen when reversing.
- Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
- Protects the driver's knees from damage due to impacts with the dashboard during a collision.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
| Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 4 / 5 |
| Side Crash Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
| Overall | 5 / 5 |
| Driver | 5 / 5 |
| Passenger | 5 / 5 |
| Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
| Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
| Rollover | Rating |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 |
| Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
| Risk Of Rollover | 18.5% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Dodge Journey vs. the competition
Dodge Journey vs. Kia Sorento
A base-level Kia Sorento offers more room, more features, more space and longer warranties, all for about the same price as a top-of-the-line Journey. While its cargo capacity and third-row seating space isn't quite as big or comfortable as you can find elsewhere, the Sorento is a better buy than the Journey in every metric.
Dodge Journey vs. Dodge Durango
The Durango represents a much more substantial three-row SUV offering from Dodge, both in size and in quality. It's also a fair bit more expensive than the Journey, but with that extra price you get considerably more capability, comfort and cargo capacity. The Durango is far from the best three-row SUV in its class, but it's head and shoulders above the Journey.
Dodge Journey vs. Ford Explorer
While Dodge has left the Journey to wither on the vine, Ford has recently transformed its stalwart Explorer into a fairly desirable three-row SUV. Dynamically, the Explorer is near the top of its class, and we are smitten with the way it goes down the road. Interior quality is not the Explorer's strong suit, but it's a full decade ahead of the Journey. You'll pay more for the Ford, but you're buying a better vehicle.
FAQ
Is the Dodge Journey a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Dodge Journey?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Dodge Journey:
- Base trim renamed to SE Value
- GT trim and V6 engine dropped
- Part of the first Journey generation introduced in 2009
Is the Dodge Journey reliable?
Is the 2020 Dodge Journey a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Dodge Journey?
The least-expensive 2020 Dodge Journey is the 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $23,675.
Other versions include:
- SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) which starts at $23,675
- Crossroad 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) which starts at $28,595
What are the different models of Dodge Journey?
More about the 2020 Dodge Journey
2020 Dodge Journey Overview
The 2020 Dodge Journey is offered in the following submodels: Journey SUV. Available styles include SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A), and Crossroad 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A).
What do people think of the 2020 Dodge Journey?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Dodge Journey and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 Journey.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Dodge Journey and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Journey featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Dodge Journey?
2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
The 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $26,860. The average price paid for a new 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) is trending $2,545 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $2,545 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $24,315.
The average savings for the 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) is 9.5% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 18 2020 Dodge Journey SE Value 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Dodge Journeys are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Dodge Journey for sale near. There are currently 25 new 2020 Journeys listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $26,860 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Dodge Journey. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $8,687 on a used or CPO 2020 Journey available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 Dodge Journeys you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new Dodge Journey for sale - 11 great deals out of 20 listings starting at $20,520.
Find a new Dodge for sale - 7 great deals out of 8 listings starting at $8,105.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Dodge Journey?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Dodge lease specials